Florida Sports Buzz: Miami Dolphins' rookie players make an impression
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With veteran Eric Green beaten deep several times in May and June practices, rookies Sean Smith and Vontae Davis have every chance to win the starting job opposite Will Allen, though coach Tony Sparano has said none of the three contenders did enough so far to rise above the others.
Still, Smith made the most plays of the three in practices that were open to the media, and several veterans raved about him. ''A freak of nature,'' receiver Davone Bess said. ``It's rare to see a guy with that size [6-3] move the way he does. He can defend big ones and small ones.''
Pat White's overthrows in May and June raised concerns -- even White said when he watched tape of himself, it didn't look like him. But remember he is learning to play under center (he was primarily in the shotgun at West Virginia). And he completed an excellent 66 percent of his passes in his last three years in college.
''You want every ball to be on the money, but it doesn't work that way,'' White said, blaming his inaccuracy on ``body position, my feet being wide.''
But teammates were impressed by his running ability in spread formations. ''He runs by and you think it's a running back running by,'' guard Shawn Murphy said. ``He's that quick.''
When a few veterans were asked what rookie stood out, the name mentioned most was Patrick Turner, who extended his body to make several catches. Turner, 6-5, has a good chance to open as the No. 4 receiver. ''If you ask our defensive backs, they say he runs better than we thought,'' receivers coach Karl Dorrell said.
• Dorrell said the Dolphins have used Brian Hartline, ideal in the slot, at every receiver position, and ''the one thing I like about Brian is he's versatile.'' Hartline signed Tuesday. . . . Fifth-round tight end John Nalbone dropped several passes in June drills, and incumbent Joey Haynos enters camp as the front-runner for the No. 3 tight end job.
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/1141849.html
The Dolphins hope sixth-rounder Andrew Gardner develops into Jake Long's backup, but it's too soon to tell. The reserve tackle who has drawn the most raves is Nate Garner
Still, Smith made the most plays of the three in practices that were open to the media, and several veterans raved about him. ''A freak of nature,'' receiver Davone Bess said. ``It's rare to see a guy with that size [6-3] move the way he does. He can defend big ones and small ones.''
Pat White's overthrows in May and June raised concerns -- even White said when he watched tape of himself, it didn't look like him. But remember he is learning to play under center (he was primarily in the shotgun at West Virginia). And he completed an excellent 66 percent of his passes in his last three years in college.
''You want every ball to be on the money, but it doesn't work that way,'' White said, blaming his inaccuracy on ``body position, my feet being wide.''
But teammates were impressed by his running ability in spread formations. ''He runs by and you think it's a running back running by,'' guard Shawn Murphy said. ``He's that quick.''
When a few veterans were asked what rookie stood out, the name mentioned most was Patrick Turner, who extended his body to make several catches. Turner, 6-5, has a good chance to open as the No. 4 receiver. ''If you ask our defensive backs, they say he runs better than we thought,'' receivers coach Karl Dorrell said.
• Dorrell said the Dolphins have used Brian Hartline, ideal in the slot, at every receiver position, and ''the one thing I like about Brian is he's versatile.'' Hartline signed Tuesday. . . . Fifth-round tight end John Nalbone dropped several passes in June drills, and incumbent Joey Haynos enters camp as the front-runner for the No. 3 tight end job.
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/1141849.html
The Dolphins hope sixth-rounder Andrew Gardner develops into Jake Long's backup, but it's too soon to tell. The reserve tackle who has drawn the most raves is Nate Garner
I just read this- it's probably my favorite column for Dolphins news down here.
redclamcrowder
Cure for the Common Person
I'm still really excited about Turner's potential. I didn't remember seeing much of him in college, and on draft day I was completely shocked when they selected him. However, after looking at some of his body of work, as well as hearing the praise bestowed on him by a number of coaches/teamates, I think he has a chance to make an impact maybe even more so than our wildcard Pat White, or our 1st rounder Davis. While White offers big play potential and intrigue, and Davis should help shore up the secondary, I think Turner (if he works hard with coaches and developes some chemistry with Pennington) can provide that huge target in the redzone we've needed for awhile. Also, while we have Camarillo and Bess as reliable 3rd down and/or possession receivers, Turner offers Miami another option on possession downs. I def. can't wait to see this kid in action.
Good stuff thanks. I have heard nothing good about Green ever since we picked him up. AZ fans called him "burnt toast". I was hopeful he could contribute here, but it is good to hear Davis and Smith are up to the task. Also nice to here Gardner doing well. I like his size/strength, with more experience he should be solid. So many roster spots in the air....BRING ON CAMP!
SRM
Scout Team
Good read. Only the that confused me was
By shape does he mean stamina or something? If not, I don't know what he means. 5'11 204 is excellent shape for an NFL corner.
Yea, I had to reread that part too, when I first saw it, but I think VD wasn't in great shape during the OTA's, I'm hoping he's working on that during this break, if you'll not in good shape, you'll loose your concentration real fast and mess up a lot..especially foot work for a CB..it's critical you don't get tire and lazy about your positioning and technique, especially foot work, that will get you burnt big time in the NFL, even the least WR will toast you.
X-Pacolypse
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Good stuff.
So Be
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Yeah, I wish that Barry would write one daily instead of just Wed and Sunday. I've "talked" with him a number of times via e-mail, good guy, quick to reply, and did a real nice job in answering any questions I had.